Flights to Brussels

Book flights to Brussels, and be prepared to have a brilliant time in the Belgian capital. If we could choose a motto for Brussels, it would probably have to be; “If you want something done properly, do it yourself”, because this is a city does things really, really well. Belgian waffles, perfect pralines, incredible beer, and even French fries are all native to Brussels and not only that, but the city is also home to a Ryanair favourite - the fantastic peeing toddler statue! What more could you want from a city? Enjoy a break in the capital of the EU; book flights to Brussels with Ryanair.

Flights from Brussels

In order to get to know Brussels, there are places you just have to go and see ASAP!

On and around the Grand-Place

On and around the Grand-Place
The Grand-Place is a Unesco World Heritage site. Its construction began in the 15th century; first, some covered market halls and a few guild houses, then a Town Hall to establish the authority of this centre of trade. It was bombarded by the French army in 1695 and almost completely destroyed. But, like a phoenix, it was to rise from the ashes in 3 years. This is why four styles stand side by side there: it’s a hotchpotch of Gothic, opulent Baroque, Neoclassical and Neogothic.

Mont des Arts was dreamed up by King Leopold II, who wanted to surround his palace with beautiful things and fine minds. Imagine the wealth of treasures to be found here : within a radius of 300 m there’s the Musée Magritte Museum, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, BOZAR - Centre for Fine Arts, the Coudenberg archaeological site, the Espace cultural ING (ING Cultural Centre), the BELvue Museum, CINEMATEK, not to mention the Musical Instruments Museum. An abundance of culture that you really can’t afford to miss!

Brussels is the capital city of 500 million Europeans. It’s a city bubbling with life, where there’s always a cosmopolitan ambience on offer, thanks to the mixed nature of its culture, with cultural influences from past and present as well as from here and elsewhere. In the European institutions district, there are a lot of businessmen and businesswomen to the square metre but Place du Luxembourg is a real world stage and the favourite “terrace” of an international crowd who get along well together in every language. Several places worth seeing: the Parlamentarium, Parc Léopold, the Wiertz Museum, the Museum of Natural Sciences and the museums of Parc du Cinquantenaire. And all this just a few yards away from the European Parliament.

A seminal symbol of Brussels and unique achievement in the history of architecture: today the Atomium is the most popular attraction in the capital of Europe. It was built for the 1958 World Fair. The Atomium is the representation of an iron crystal enlarged 165 billion times. Visitors can walk through its tubes and spheres and the Atomium also presents a permanent exhibition dedicated to its history as well as temporary exhibitions for the general public.

Begun in 1820 under the reign of King Guillaume (William), it was altered in 1904 under Leopold II, who had it rebuilt in the Louis XVI style. The side wings date from the 18th century and are flanked at their far ends by two pavilions. The Royal Palace opens to the public every year from mid-July to mid-September.

This bronze statuette, produced in the 17th century by J. Duquesnoy the elder, embodies the rebellious spirit of Brussels. From the status of a public fountain, today it’s presented as a legendary figure. With numerous costumes and decorations, its wardrobe includes some 800 pieces.

Art Nouveau was more than an artistic movement, it was a new way of living and thinking. In Brussels, the years from 1893 saw houses spring up that were unlike any others before, and every element of everyday life was adorned with organic or geometric lines: façades, wrought ironwork, mosaics, furniture, tableware, carpets, etc. The best way of discovering Art Nouveau is to visit the Horta Museum or walk around Square Ambiorix. But other residences will also welcome you in, such as the Maison Autrique and Hôtel Hannon (grand townhouse).
The Horta Museum
Rue Américaine 25, Brussels 1060
Tel.: +32 2 543 04 90
www.hortamuseum.be
Maison Autrique
Chaussée de Haecht 266, Brussels 1030
Tel. : +32 2 215 66 00
www.autrique.be
Hôtel Hannon
Avenue de la Jonction 1, Brussels 1060
Tel. : +32 2 538 42 20
www.contretype.org
Square Ambiorix, Brussels 1040

The Horta Museum is established in the private house and studio of the famous architect, Victor Horta (1861 - 1947). Built between 1898 and 1901, the two buildings are characteristic of Art Nouveau at its peak. The house has kept intact most of its interior decors: mosaics, stained-glass windows, furniture, paintings and murals form a collection whose every detail evokes harmony and sophistication. The museum is also a centre for research into Victor Horta and Art Nouveau. The architect's personal archives, a collection of blueprints for his buildings and a library are open to the public by arrangement.

In 1902 the engineer Edouard Hannon (1853 - 1931) called upon his friend, the architect Jules Brunfaut (1852 - 1942) to build this mansion, a masterpiece in the Art Nouveau style. At the present time the building is occupied by the Contretype Photographic organisation which is devoted to the promotion of creative photography by organising, in particular, exhibitions.

The Brussels Card is the best way to see this fascinating capital of Europe. It offers you, during 24, 48 or 72h, free entry to over 30 museums, free use of public transports and exclusive offers in designer’s boutiques, shops, exhibitions, restaurants & attractions.

Alain Coumont learned about bread as a little boy. With a hunger and passion for quality, his wish was simple: to find nourishing and healthy bread with a dense crumb and firm crust. He went back to his roots, opening a bakery to recreate the natural rustic breads of his childhood. There’s also an area for trying the products there (Viennese pastries, salad, all kinds of cakes and pastries as well as full, high-quality meals) in an interior showing a fondness for wood, around a large communal table.

When it comes to hot spots in Brussels it can vary, but Place St-Gery is always a good nightspot. In Brussels you are never far away from a good bar.

Moeder Lambic

This establishment has received international recognition on the list of the 10 best beer bars in the world. The special draw of this bistro is the 46 artisan draught beers, which are kept in a cold room with less CO2, conducive to longer storage.

As tradition demands, there’s no getting away from a turn in this palace of the most ‘brrrrrusseleers’ specialities in the capital. The patrons fluctuate between responsible fifty-something and quick-witted bons viveurs. And you can sip Faros, Kriek and Gueuze beers there, with a soft cheese open sandwich in your hand. A classic that’s still going strong.

Make the most of the unique atmosphere of this brasserie from 1886, which has successfully retained its cachet of yesteryear. Le Cirio was built in pure Art Nouveau style and has played host to many artists through the years. House speciality? The “Half en Half“: half white wine, half Champagne.

Standing right in the heart of the city centre between la Monnaie, la Bourse and Sainte-Catherine, this place is laying the foundations of a new scene and puts on a very particular and eclectic programme of music.

The fuddled charm of the Archiduc still works its magic. Its thirties decor has something to do with it of course. Concerts are often held there around the famous grand piano. Try it at the end of the evening too, when you might come across a famous singer or two. Style: Jazz / Electro

Round off your journey of discovery by exploring the shops and boutiques! In the past, the upper part of the city was heavily influenced by the middle classes. It’s now almost naturally evolved into an upmarket shopping destination. Avenue Louise and its shopping arcades, Boulevard de Waterloo, Avenue de la Toison d’Or and the side streets are a real hive of creativity and variety. On these legendary thoroughfares, window shopping leads you from Brussels designers to Belgian labels, from luxury articles to big international brands. Creativity is also very evident in the lower part of the city on Rue Antoine Dansaert. Several years ago, designers from the leading fashion schools of Brussels took over the district; boutiques and studios have made it the district for anyone wishing to look at and try on clothes and accessories.
For all the shops: www.visitbrussels.be

Maasmechelen Village

Around 60 minutes from Brussels, Antwerp and Cologne, Maasmechelen Village has more than 100 luxury outlet boutiques offering savings of 30% to 60% on the recommended retail price of leading brands.

Brussels South Charleroi Airport - Situated 46km from Brussels’ Grand-Place.
Every hour, a shuttle bus links Brussels South Charleroi Airport to Gare du Midi railway station in Brussels (the shuttle leaves from the junction of Rue de France and Rue de l'Instruction, follow the "Thalys" exit at Gare du Midi). Tickets are sold either at www.voyages-lelan.be or in the terminal of Brussels South Charleroi Airport or on the bus leaving from Brussels. You can reach Brussels South Charleroi Airport easily from any Belgian railway station. Ask for the ticket "code 814 one way or code 815 return" at the ticket desk of your station. On arriving at Gare de Charleroi Sud (Charleroi South station), simply catch the direct bus (bus A), which takes you to the airport terminal in a few minutes. Similarly, when you arrive at the airport, you can buy a “bulk ticket” at the information desk. This covers your transfer by bus to Charleroi Sud railway station and the train journey to any Belgian destination. The bulk ticket can be bought only at the airport.